Georgia-Blue & Hudson (Stoney Creek #5)

Chapter 27

27

Hudson

She lies in my arms and my heartbeat slows. Her long, dark hair strewn across my chest is like heaven. Except, I’ve never known this kind of heaven before.

The kind that dreams are made of.

After our fun in the woods, I drove her back to the hay shed — luckily Brook hadn’t returned so there was no explaining to do. Especially since my shirt no longer had buttons.

We went our separate ways, and I got Takoda’s number from Easton. I decided to call and tell him I’d made a decision about Bucko. After talking to Georgia about it on the drive back, I realized that in order for me to really change, I need to step out of my comfort zone…

“You’ll take him?” Takoda sounds as unsure as I feel. I mean, this bull did almost paralyze me, and stopped my career in its tracks. I also don’t know how he knew about Bucko anyway, but I don’t question it.

“It’s not like I want him to end up in a slaughterhouse, just because he has nowhere else to go.”

“Trouble is his size, and unpredictability. Though, his current owners say they’ve never had a lick of trouble from him. I guess even Bucko can be different when he’s not being provoked into the ring.”

“And you think he’d appreciate me?” I snort.

“I saw the footage.” His words sting me. “He was just doin’ what any wild creature would do. It wasn’t personal.”

Georgia’s face appears in front of me as I hear everyone yelling. She’s an angel and she’s here. Which must mean I’m dead. Either that, or I’m hurt. If I’m only hurt, then maybe I’ll get to see her again. And my family.

I feel hot breath against my ear. Fuck. Bucko’s coming back in to rip his horn into me, ending my run for good. Except, he doesn’t. I hear him gallop around me, dust flying up as the boys try to wrangle him back. He’s a mean motherfucker. And he doesn’t like me. “The feelin’s mutual,” I mutter. But I’ve no idea if anyone can hear me. I’ve no idea if this is it.

“Get up,” Georgia whispers. “Get up off your ass and move, Cowboy!”

Georgia isn’t here, and I’ve no idea why I think of her in this moment. But she’s always been like home to me. Always there with a smile, or a jibe at me, because that’s what we do. I’ve never actually had the guts to ask her why she hasn’t had a boyfriend in so long. She’s Stoney Creek’s most eligible bachelorette. And I may never get to see her again…

I clear my throat, my reverie snapping back into the present. “Yeah, I know that. I’ve learned a lot since my days on the circuit.”

“Well then, if you're not gonna eat him then I’ll agree to release him to you. My family knows the owners and I said I’d help, this could be a good fit for everyone.”

I roll my lips. I love how Takoda is protective of Bucko, of any animal, as much as he annoys me — and that’s largely due to the fact that Georgia found him attractive — his heart is in the right place.

“I promise not to eat him,” I say

“Even if he gets under your skin?”

“Even I’m not that sick, give me some credit.”

“It’s not a small thing. He’s had a couple of peaceful years where he is now, he deserves to live out the rest of his life knowing he’s safe.”

I frown. “So the owners don’t care where he ends up?”

“They’ve tried their best, but even if they do take him to another farm, there’s no guarantee that he’ll be safe. Sanctuaries in Montana mainly focus on horses. Being how he is, he’s not the easiest customer to please.”

“I know how he feels.”

“So, we’re good?”

“We’re good.”

“You know, I think you two might even find some common ground.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “How do you figure?”

“You givin’ him a home, him givin’ you some company.”

“Who says I need company?”

He laughs. “I got a sixth sense. If you’re up for it, you might even think about takin’ some more animals, set up a sanctuary of your own. You got enough land out there. Plus, Georgia loves animals.”

My heart pounds in my chest. “What do you know about Georgia?”

“Relax, we’re just friends. I saw how she looked at you, and don’t worry, I won’t say shit to Easton or Brook.”

“Nothin’s goin’ on.” I only say that because I don’t really know him, and I don’t need him blabber-mouthing to anyone until GB and I have let it out of the bag ourselves. Good intentions or not. “She’s family.”

“I get it. But you wait too long, you wind up with nothin’, trust me on that.”

“Thanks for the tip.”

“Anytime. I’ll text you the details of the transfer.”

“Got it. Thanks, brother.”

“You’ve done a good thing. It may not feel like it now, but in time he’ll adjust and in his own way, I know he’ll thank you.”

I run a hand over my face. “I guess I’ll brace for impact.”

“You got it.”

I kiss the back of Georgia’s head, remembering the conversation that I had earlier in the day. Having that mad bull on my property feels kinda soothing. I can’t explain it. It’s like the dust has finally settled and all of my ducks are lining up. Giving this guy a chance to live out his life without any fear. Without being provoked into doing things he wouldn’t normally do, it feels like a release for me, too.

When I step out of my own skin, I can see that I was wrong. I should never have taken up a sport so brutal. Of course, I’d never admit that to anyone, but now I see it for what it is. And I want Bucko to know I don’t hold a grudge. If anything, I owe him my life. What happened that day was fate. I survived. And I got my life back. Now I’m gonna repay him the favor.

Georgia turns in my arms, sighing in her sleep as she snuggles into me. She came over on the ATV and it’s parked in my garage. Obviously, we can’t have her car parked outside my place, and I can’t have my truck at hers. So we have to sneak around until we figure out what we’re gonna say. I’ve no doubt that Gray is gonna rearrange my face, but I also need him to know that my intentions with his sister are completely honorable. I’ve been waiting a long time for the woman of my dreams, and she was right there all along. I feel myself relax in a way that I’ve never let myself before, and it feels good. She’s so warm. So generous. So perfect. I’m done with running away and denying myself. I know we can have a wonderful life together. I know we can grow, and if I’m capable of change, then maybe we can make this crazy thing work.

I look down at her sleeping in my arms, and my heart constricts. I will never love anyone like I love her. I was stupid to ever think I could.

Maybe Takoda is right; not that I need relationship advice from him, but I’ve waited a long time. I don’t want life passing me by because I was too chicken shit to take a chance like I did that bull: by the horns. Only, now the horns are pointed right back at me and I’ve never felt more content.

??

One week later

“Easy,” I say. It’s no surprise Bucko isn’t happy. Trying to let him into his new pen hasn’t been an easy feat, but at least I have my brothers here to help, and Georgia.

Yep, we’re seeing each other in secret, and everyday I’m asked by someone what I did to myself because I ‘look different’. One of the old women from the social club even asked me if I’d had some Botox because I looked ‘less crinkly.’ I don’t know what the fuck that’s supposed to mean, but I gave her a look and she scuttled away.

I guess being happy really does show on your face, and the rest of your body, because I feel like a man half my age. Having a beautiful woman like Georgia in my bed every night has everything to do with that, but it isn’t like I can shout that from the town square, not yet, anyway.

Bucko snorts, bucking as we try to get him down from the truck, into the pen. But he’s not going without a fight.

“I know it’s been a long journey and you hate my guts, but I kinda hate you too, if we’re bein’ honest.”

Brook shoots me a look. “Animals can pick up on emotions, dude. Maybe tell him you're his new best friend and pet his head or somethin’!”

I meet his gaze. “You pet his head!”

“Steady, he’s gonna fuckin’ shove one of those horns into your side if you get too close,” Gabe warns. “He’s got that look in his eye.”

I may have a tattoo of the guy on the back of my leg, but that doesn’t exactly make us best buddies. Truth is, I never expected to see Bucko again. It’s kinda surreal that he’s here on the farm.

“Because he’s scared,” Georgia says. “All of you getting angry at him won’t help his anxiety. He’s confused and if we all keep our tones friendly, he’ll do just fine.”

My little peacemaker. I give her a look over Brook’s shoulder and she flips her hair, stepping closer. “Don’t get in here,” I warn. We’ve got him tethered, but that’s gotta come off.”

“Relax, GP. He just needs a woman's touch.” She reaches in and strokes him, talking to him softly. “I got some tips off Koda.”

I glance at her, piquing a brow. “When did you talk to Koda?”

“He sent me some YouTube videos on dealing with wild bulls in a humane way.”

“I bet he did,” I mutter. I still don’t trust the fucker, no matter how good his intentions seemed.

“So, did you learn anything?” Beau asks.

“Yes, I did. We’re supposed to approach with calmness and voices that are happy and not aggravated.” She gives me, Brook and Gabe a look in turn. “They pick up on emotions, like Brook said, and arguing isn’t good for him.”

Gray chuckles. “Jesus, George. We’re gonna be here all day with bull psychoanalysis.”

She holds her head high and I’ve never wanted her more, even in her wrangling gear. She has on thick, knee-high boots that are covered in mud, much like the rest of us.

“He’s got a fully enclosed stable all to himself,” Beau remarks. “I think he’s gonna be pretty good once he gets over his little stage fright here.”

“Calm,” Georgia says. “That’s all we need to be, isn’t it, you big ol’ softie?”

Bucko snorts, then tips his head toward her, letting her scratch under his chin. Okay, I don’t like how close he’s getting, especially with those horns, but she’s behind a steel gate. He won’t be able to do anything.

“He’s not exactly the most agreeable creature, is he?” Gabe shakes his head.

“He’ll move when he’s ready,” I say. Nobody in this family would prod him to get him to move, and it’s important to me that he knows despite our history, I’d never do that.

“He hates me,” I mutter.

Georgia plays with his ears. “He doesn’t hate you, he’s just misunderstood. He doesn’t like being called a beast. He has feelings.”

“Not you too,” Gabe groans.

“Don’t look at me.” Brook holds up his hands, reigns still laced through his fingers. “Though I’m glad to see another member of this family taking it seriously.”

“What should we call him then?” Gray laughs. “Buttercup?”

Georgia elbows Gray in the ribs. “He has a perfectly good name, don’t you, beautiful boy? Don’t you?”

All of a sudden, he lurches forward and we let go. He runs down and off the truck ramp and into the pen. We follow after him, securing the gate behind as he jumps around wildly for a few moments, then stomps and kicks the dirt.

“See, woman’s touch,” Beau laughs. “Georgia has a point.”

“Or she might just be as nuts as Brook.” Gray dodges another elbow.

We’ll still need to release his reins, but for now, he seems happy enough. He wanders off and we all watch as he smells the grass and moves around the field.

“You know, he’s going to need some friends,” Georgia sighs. “He might get lonely.”

Brook pats me on the back. “I hear bulls and donkeys get along.”

I shove him off. “I don’t think so, maybe a lady friend is more up his alley.”

“But then you’ll have lots of bulls.” Georgia giggles. “Keep those pretty girls away, they’re trouble.”

My eyes meet hers and she rolls her lips.

No truer words spoken. The pretty ones are always trouble, especially her.

“So I’ve heard,” I mutter.

I watch him and that feeling inside me grows. He’s here. He’s safe. We may not be the best of friends, but he doesn’t have to worry anymore. I’m not going anywhere.

And more animals would be good. I plan on getting horses soon, and Brooklyn is always hitting me up with suggestions from rescues. I want to ride again. For the first time in years, I want to really live.

And it’s thanks to the woman in front of me that I can’t keep my eyes off.

I’ve just gotta find a way to tell them, and soon.